In her debut photo book, Subway Portraits, Sirui Ma explores the heart of New York City's subway system, shining a light on the MTA train conductors who keep the city moving. Released last December, the 208-page collection is a heartfelt tribute to these unsung heroes, blending hand-printed portraits with personal stories, iPhone snapshots, and rare behind-the-scenes insights.
Ma, a Beijing-born, London-based photographer, has dedicated over a decade to capturing the beauty of overlooked moments and the strength of human connection. "I love talking to strangers and hearing their stories," she shares. "Much of my work focuses on highlighting everyday heroes." This philosophy is vividly reflected in Subway Portraits, where brief encounters in the subway evolve into meaningful moments of connection, as highlighted in her interview with the British Journal of Photography.
THE INSPIRATION BEHIND SUBWAY PORTRAITS
Ma's fascination with MTA conductors began years ago, sparked by the solitude of their role. "You always see them alone in their cubicles, surrounded by darkness," she says. Having lived in New York for much of her life, Ma often found herself reflecting on the city after moving away. This project became both a reconnection with the place that shaped her and an effort to honor those who work tirelessly yet receive little recognition.
"We take them for granted and only notice them when something goes wrong," Ma explains. Subway Portraits challenges that narrative, revealing the humanity and individuality behind the uniform.
A DAY ON THE PLATFORM
Ma's process of capturing these portraits was as personal as the images themselves. Armed with her camera and flash, she spent hours on subway platforms, positioning herself strategically to meet conductors during their brief stops. "I had to perfect my spiel," she recalls. Despite facing a high rejection rate, Ma remained undeterred. "I didn't take it personally. These people are working. If I were in their shoes, I'd probably say no too."
To build trust, Ma handed out slips of paper with her contact information, folded like fortune cookie notes, so conductors could later access their portraits. Over the course of a day, she photographed 60-70 conductors across four stations, all of which held personal significance.
BEYOND THE PORTRAITS
The book is more than a collection of images. Designed and edited by Ma's close collaborator Eli Rosenbloom, Subway Portraits combines traditional publishing techniques with modern flair. Swiss-binding, an O-band, and an art print by Leon Xu make it a physical keepsake, while contact sheets, darkroom test strips, and Ma's personal iPhone photos provide a deeper, more textured narrative.
Humor and humanity are woven throughout, with sub-collections like "small injuries," "people who look like characters," and "dogs on the subway." The book also features an interview with conductor Kyata Collins, whose story offers a rare glimpse into the challenges and triumphs of a life spent underground.
"We wanted to enrich the book with more life," Ma explains. Over nine months, she and Rosenbloom collaborated with contributors like artist Leon Xu and writers Hua Hsu and Raquel Silver to craft a multimedia love letter to the city.
A CELEBRATION OF CONNECTION
Printed in Belgium by Die Keure, Subway Portraits is a testament to Ma's dedication to storytelling and craftsmanship. The book launched in New York with great acclaim, resonating with readers who see it as more than a photography collection-it's a celebration of the people who keep the city alive.
Through her lens, Sirui Ma reminds us of the beauty in the everyday and the importance of recognizing those who quietly shape our lives. With Subway Portraits, she offers a love letter to New York City and its unsung heroes, capturing their spirit with grace, empathy, and enduring admiration.
